Sonoco announced that it will close its composite can plant in Wausau, Wis., and consolidate those operations into existing facilities in Greenville, Wis., and Chicago, Ill. The closing will be phased over the remainder of this year, with completion expected by year-end.
Sonoco also operates a metal ends facility at 833 S. 60th Ave. in Wausau that will remain open. This facility employs approximately 70 personnel.
The company previously consolidated two composite can facilities at Jackson, Tenn., into one plant following extensive tornado damage in May to the closing facility.
"It is always difficult to close a facility, particularly when you have people as dedicated as our teams at the Wausau and Jackson composite can facilities. Unfortunately, this action is necessary to reduce Sonoco's overall cost structure in light of difficult general economic conditions and rising costs associated with raw materials, energy, medical, and pensions and postretirement expenses. These consolidations will in no way adversely affect our ability to serve our markets and customers," said Rodger Fuller, division vice president, Consumer Products - North America.